Girl, 5, killed after swimming off British coast

A five-year-old girl has died after swimming off the coast of Dorset in the UK, the BBC reports.

The child and an adult woman, believed to be her mum, had been swimming at Durdle Door on the south coast on the hottest day of the year so far, but were swept out by strong currents.

A fellow beach-goer reportedly rushed in to the water, but was only able to help the woman.

The girl was picked up by a nearby Ministry of Defence vessel, Dorset Police said.

She was handed over to lifeboat crews and rushed to a local hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The tragedy came on the hottest day of the year so far as British spring temperatures reached highs of 25C. They are set to increase further today.
Detective Inspector Steve May said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the young girl involved at this very difficult time.
"At this time there is nothing to suggest this was anything other than a tragic accident, however with the sudden death of any child we have an obligation to carry out an investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened."

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information.